BMW Group Middle East scoops six industry wins including two 'Car of the Year' awards

The X6, BMW's new Sports Activity Coupe took top honours at the CAR Middle East awards, when it was named both Car of the Year and Best SUV. Beating 12 other category winners for the much lauded Car of the Year crown, the BMW X6 offers an innovative interpretation of the features and design qualities typical of a large coupé combined with the typical X family high driving position and versatility.

Not only did the X6 win Car of the Year, but it also claimed the Best Luxury Sports SUV title at the Autocar Middle East award ceremony in recognition of its unique positioning in the highly competitive SUV category.

Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said:

"The X6 is proving to be a real winner in every respect, having pioneered a new category in motoring as the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, and enjoying sell-out success in the Middle East. To be named 'Car of the Year,' 'Best SUV' and 'Best Luxury Sports SUV' in its first year of launch in our region is the ultimate recognition of BMW's leadership in automotive technology and design."

Also receiving the coveted title of Car of the Year 2008 is the BMW M3, having fought off stiff competition from 81 other models in the Autocar Middle East awards. Each car was judged on 26 separate assessment points, with the 36 finalists going through another 12-point assessment that included high-speed handling, acceleration, emergency braking and lane changing.

The high-performance and sporty features of the M3 won yet another Autocar Middle East award as it was named Best Premium Sports Car, securing pole position for its balance of form and function.

Accepting the awards, Phil Horton added: "Our motto for our M range of vehicles is 'engineered on the race track, built for the road', and this motto holds true for the new M3 coupe and convertible models that were launched in May this year."

Also standing tall on the winner's podium at this year's Car Middle East awards was the MINI Clubman, taking top prize for Best Small Car. A universal favourite among all ages and groups, the MINI Clubman is small in exterior design, but big in style, attitude and on-road presence. In the Middle East, MINI's distinctive interpretation of style and design continues to capture heads and hearts in every market in the region.